Exiting the Water (Ladders, Shore, RIBs)

Getting out of the water seems simple until it’s not. Whether you’re climbing a ladder, timing your exit with waves, or hoisting yourself into a RIB, the exit is when mistakes happen — especially when you're tired, weighed down, or distracted.

Your dive isn’t over until you're fully out of the water with your gear secure.

General Rules for All Exits

• Keep your mask on and regulator in your mouth until you are fully out of the water and on board or on land
  • No exceptions — unless you are handing up your gear to board a RIB (see below)
• Stay inflated until you’re safely clear of the water
• Secure your fins — either remove them or position them so you won’t trip or lose them
• Always wait your turn and avoid crowding the ladder or exit point

Exiting via Ladder (Boat Dive)

• Approach slowly and from down-current — don’t let the ladder swing into you
• Hold the ladder with one hand, and remove one fin at a time
• Clip them off or hand them to crew before climbing if that’s the protocol
• Keep your regulator in your mouth until you are fully on board — waves, wake, or footing can send you right back down
• Climb slowly and with three points of contact at all times — either two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand
• Be especially cautious on the top rung — some boat ladders can swing or lift. If you’re top-heavy with gear and the ladder shifts, you can lose balance
• Don’t crowd another diver — wait until the ladder is completely clear

One fall is all it takes — I once got thrown forward when the ladder swung up under me in Cozumel. I was fine, minus a bruised chest from hitting a bench. But it’s a lesson I won’t forget: always respect the ladder.

Why You Shouldn’t Crowd the Ladder

• It puts both divers at risk — a slip or shift can turn into a two-person fall
• Ladders move — especially on small boats. If it lifts or swings, you don’t want to be underneath it
• Gear gets tangled — fins, hoses, or straps can easily catch between divers
• You create pressure — even silently hovering behind someone can make them rush, and rushing causes mistakes
• Crew can't assist properly when multiple divers are stacked on a single exit

Give space. One diver at a time. Always.

Exiting at Shore (Waves or Rocky Entry)

• Time your exit with the waves — go in with a wave, not against it
• Walk backward only if visibility is clear and footing is firm. Otherwise, turn around and shuffle forward with stability
• Keep your regulator in your mouth — don’t switch to snorkel in surf
• If you need to remove fins in the water, do it where you can still stay stable — not in breaking surf
• If surf knocks you down, stay low and crawl out if needed — pride is optional, safety is not
• Use natural landmarks to guide your return path — exits rarely look the same from the water

Exiting into a RIB or Small Boat

• Fully inflate your BCD and remove your weight belt if necessary before attempting to get in
• Most RIB exits are done by:
  • Removing your gear in the water and handing it up first
  • Then climbing in unencumbered — over the side, or using a rope or handle

Note on Regulators:

Because your regulator is attached to your tank, you will need to remove it briefly when handing up your gear.

That’s okay — just make sure you’re:

• Calm, stable, and fully inflated before doing so
• Not in swell or wake that could throw you around during the process
• Ready to signal for help if needed — crew can assist with gear removal while you stay supported

Never remove your regulator before you’re stable, calm, and ready. It’s the one exception to the “reg stays in” rule — and it needs to be done with full awareness.

Some divers prefer to kick their fins hard and launch onto the side tube, then roll in — this works if you’re fit, practiced, and the boat is steady.

Common Mistakes

• Switching to snorkel too early — leads to water inhalation or panic if conditions change
• Trying to climb ladders with fins on — leads to slips or twisted ankles
• Getting too close to another diver exiting — crowding the exit creates hazards for both of you
• Letting your BCD go negative during exit — makes the exit harder and risks sinking unintentionally
• Removing your reg before you’re safely aboard — one unexpected wave is all it takes (unless you're handing up your gear to board a RIB)